For the technically curious, this page explains how roaming works on ParentShield Roam Stage SIMs, and why we now provide all UK networks with unsteered roaming as standard.
This isn’t something most mainstream mobile networks talk about – or even offer – so we’ve kept this explanation here for anyone who wants to understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
The short version
- All ParentShield Roam Stage SIMs now connect freely between all UK networks as standard
- We use unsteered roaming by default, so your child’s phone connects to the strongest available signal
- This gives better coverage, especially in rural areas, schools, and on the move
- If you do prefer a particular network (for example Three, O2, or Vodafone), we can still apply steered roaming on request. If you prefer EE, our Safe Stage plans will almost certainly be the better choice.
No confusing choices at checkout – just the best connection by default.
The longer explanation (if you’re curious)
There are two main types of roaming
When a mobile SIM can access more than one network, there are two ways that roaming can be managed:
- Steered roaming
- Unsteered roaming
Both have their place – and ParentShield supports both.
Unsteered roaming (our default)
Unsteered roaming means we allow the phone and the mobile networks themselves to decide which network to connect to, based purely on signal strength and quality.
In practice, this means:
- The phone automatically switches to the strongest available network
- Coverage is usually better in rural or patchy areas
- No single network is prioritised over another
- Fewer “no signal” moments at school, on trains, or while travelling
This is now the standard setup for all Roam Stage ParentShield SIMs, because it delivers the most reliable experience for most families.
Steered roaming (available on request)
Steered roaming is where we apply rules at a network level to prefer a particular network.
This is managed via the HLR (Home Location Register) – the system that tells mobile networks:
- which SIM is where
- which networks it’s allowed to connect to
- and which network it should prefer
You can think of the HLR a bit like:
- a live directory, or
- the mobile equivalent of DNS on the internet
It’s constantly updating as the SIM moves around.
Why would someone want steered roaming?
Some parents prefer steered roaming if:
- they know one network works best at home or school
- they want their child’s phone to stay on a specific network where possible
Because permanently favouring one network can increase the underlying network costs, steered roaming is something we apply manually if requested, rather than offering it as a standard checkout option.
Why we no longer offer network choices at checkout
When we previously offered network and roaming options at checkout, it caused far more confusion than clarity.
Most people understandably want:
“The best possible signal for my child’s phone.”
Offering technical choices like steered vs unsteered roaming – or asking parents to select a network – created too many unanswered questions, particularly now that we offer the single network Safe Stage SIM, that utlises the best UK network.
So we simplified it:
- Best coverage by default
- No technical decisions required
- Still flexible if you need something specific
Best of both worlds
To summarise:
- All ParentShield SIMs use unsteered roaming by default
- Your child’s phone can connect to all major UK networks
- This delivers the strongest signal wherever possible
- If you prefer a specific network, steered roaming can still be applied on request
International roaming is also supported in most destinations, and can be booked in advance from the Parentshield Portal.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your situation, just speak to the team – we’ll help you choose the setup that makes the most sense for your child